On December 11, a significant dialogue took place in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) between leaders from HCMC and Vientiane, marking a step forward in the special relationship between the two cities. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Van Nen, Member of Political Bureau and Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, and Mr. Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Central Party Committee, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee, and Chairman of the Vientiane People's Council.

The gathering was attended by prominent figures including Mr. Phan Van Mai, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee and Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee; Mr. Pham Thanh Kien, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Council; Mr. Pham Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of HCMC, among others.

During the talks, Mr. Nguyen Van Nen expressed his delight at the achievements of the Lao people, noting the stability in security and politics and the maintenance of a positive economic growth rate. He conveyed his trust in the wise leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the governance of the government, the companionship and supervision of the National Assembly, and the efforts of Lao businesses and citizens. He was confident that Laos would successfully implement the resolutions of the 11th Party Congress and the 9th five-year plan for socio-economic development, continuing to build a peaceful, independent, sovereign, prosperous Laos with an increasingly high international and regional standing.

Mr. Nen was pleased to observe that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos have been continuously strengthened and expanded in all areas. HCMC is proud of the ever-deepening and effective cooperation with Lao localities across various fields.

"HCMC always facilitates businesses from both sides to promote trade exchanges and pays attention to nurturing the young generation about the great traditional relationship between the two Parties and peoples that our forefathers have cultivated. At the same time, the city also focuses on creating conditions to share and assist Lao students who are researching and studying in HCMC," Mr. Nen stated.

Sharing an overview of HCMC's socio-economic development in 2023, Mr. Nen emphasized that the meeting was not only an exchange of experiences but also a gathering of close brothers. During this visit, the delegation from Vientiane showed interest in smart urban development, digital transformation, and HCMC's tourism development policies – areas that are also focal points for HCMC. Recently, HCMC has chosen digital transformation as its annual theme, which is a matter of mutual interest and development for both parties.

On behalf of the HCMC Party Committee and government, Mr. Nen reaffirmed HCMC's consistent stance of valuing and doing its utmost to preserve, consolidate, and develop the special relationship with the Lao PDR in general and Lao localities in particular. He also expressed his belief that the visit by the Vientiane delegation would further strengthen the great friendship and special solidarity between the two countries, particularly between HCMC and Vientiane.

In response, Mr. Anouphap Tounalom thanked the HCMC leadership for taking the time to welcome the delegation and stated that the visit aimed to tighten the relationship between the two countries and to materialize the cooperation program between the two localities.

Reporting on Vientiane's socio-economic highlights in 2023, Mr. Tounalom acknowledged some achievements but also mentioned existing challenges. He expressed his hope for continued coordination, assistance, and cooperation from HCMC. While the economic relationship between the two countries is developing, he noted that the export of goods has not been very smooth, highlighting the need to address infrastructure issues to boost bilateral trade.

Regarding future cooperation directions, Mr. Tounalom requested HCMC's continued support for Vientiane's cattle breeding cooperation project. Additionally, Vientiane hopes for HCMC's assistance in constructing a social welfare center and a trade and tourism center to enhance commodity exchange and promote tourism and trade between the two sides. Mr. Tounalom believes that both parties need to vigorously promote the cooperative relationship between the two localities to a new depth, especially at the district level.